A Mercedes Unimog is set to arrive in Gran Turismo 7 this week.

      @Kaz_Yamauchi via X

      It’s the final week of February, signaling an ideal time for a Gran Turismo 7 update to be released. Series producer Kaz Yamauchi recently shared one of his usual teasers featuring three shadowy silhouettes. While two of these silhouettes appear to represent expected additions to a GT game, the one in the back has attracted considerable attention. Rightfully so, as it resembles a Daimler Unimog.

      The Unimog is a legendary creation from the German truck manufacturer, still in production today. The model represented in Gran Turismo is thought to be the Unimog 411, which Daimler produced from 1956 to 1974. Nearly 40,000 units were created during that time, showcasing a variety of body styles and wheelbases for different tasks. "Unimog" stands for UNIversal-MOtor-Gerät, with “gerät” being a German term that can be broadly understood as machine, equipment, or tool. According to the teaser, this particular model appears to have a tray bed and a more rounded cab, differing from the flat and boxier shapes seen in some 411 variants. Expect to find it in the game’s Hagerty-branded legendary car dealership, ideally for a reasonable price. The Willys Jeep is also available in that same store for around 30,000 credits.

      Credit to Respective Manufacturers

      Naturally, the Unimog is anticipated to be significantly larger than the vintage Willys and indeed any vehicle featured in Gran Turismo to date. GT7 includes a few modern pickup trucks as well as Toyota's HiAce and HiMedic vans, but the Unimog occupies a distinct category. With approximately 30 horsepower derived from a 1.7-liter OM636 diesel four-cylinder engine, these vehicles were never particularly speedy; however, the usual array of in-game engine swaps should quickly remedy that.

      Alongside the Unimog are a couple of vehicles likely to excite enthusiasts. One is the Peugeot 205 GTI, arguably Europe’s most renowned hot hatch not manufactured by Volkswagen. The 205 appears frequently in video games, typically as a rally car or in its widebody, mid-engine T16 form. The Group B version is already featured in GT7 with its Evolution 2 aero kit, and while the GTI may be the more commonplace and ordinary variant of the 205, it is often overlooked in favor of the T16. Therefore, it’s genuinely refreshing to see it included here.

      Lastly, we have the BMW Z4, one of designer Chris Bangle’s most debated designs for BMW during the 2000s, which last appeared in the PlayStation 3 GT installments. If it’s indeed the same model, this will be a 2003 version—the Z4’s inaugural model year—with the larger 3.0-liter inline-six engine. I’ve always had an affection for the Z4 and believe it has aged beautifully, especially these pre-facelift, non-M variants, with their amber turn signals and subtle front-end design. I understand—everyone desires the Z4 M Coupe, but hopefully, players will still be able to customize it with the appropriate bumpers in the GT Auto shop.

      Speaking of customization, I’m curious about the unique exterior accessories and equipment that will be available for the Unimog. The “EF” Civic Si in the previous update featured an optional front-end bra, which was an unexpected and interesting addition. Surprises like these contribute to Gran Turismo's charm. Anticipate the update to go live in the early hours of Thursday, February 27.

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